Getty Image / Jonathan Daniel
The Chicago Bulls acquired Lonzo Ball back in 2021 but due to his knee injury, the star point guard has been largely unavailable.
Not that long ago, it was reported Ball will miss the entire 2023-2024 season on top of what has already missed.
It’s a grueling injury process for the young point guard and pretty much everyone hopes he can eventually make a full recovery.
In the meantime though, the Bulls have to find a way to have a complete roster. Considering Lonzo Ball is already ruled out for next season, it appears Chicago is attempting to fill the void.
According to Shams Charania, the Bulls are applying for a Disabled Player Exception that would grant them $10.2 million. If granted, Chicago can use that money to sign a free agent to replace Ball on the roster.
The Chicago Bulls have applied to the NBA for a Disabled Player Exception worth $10.2 million due to injury of Lonzo Ball, who is expected to miss the entire 2023-24 season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2023
Sports Illustrated provides further detail about how the Disabled Player Exception works. They stay that “Chicago would be allowed to trade or claim a player only in the final year of their contract or sign a free agent to a one-year deal.”
With that said, there’s a possibility the Bulls could find a trade partner for the young star. However, due to his injury history, it’s hard to imagine anyone chomping at the bit to acquire Lonzo Ball.
Regardless, if the NBA grants the Disabled Player Exception, then the Bulls can at least bring someone in for the upcoming season. In the end, that’s the goal for the front office right now.